Trusted by the United States Air Force, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology provides a practical, hands-on education. The school has trained more than 140,000 pilots and technicians. There are four campuses in Los Angeles, Riverside, Denver, and Tulsa. Students can choose programs in HVAC, nondestructive testing, or aviation. Options differ by location, and some involve online courses.
What is the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Known For?
The Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is renowned for its comprehensive training programs tailored to meet the rigorous demands of the airline industry. With a history of over 94 years since its establishment in 1928, Spartan offers a diverse range of programs, including flight training, technician training, and bachelor’s degree programs. Having trained over 100,000 pilots and technicians from 41 countries, Spartan College is recognized for its excellence in aviation education, offering both certificate and bachelor’s degree programs to prepare students for successful careers in the aviation field.
Who Owns the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology was acquired by the Spartan Education Group, LLC, in 2012, making it a part of their educational portfolio focused on aviation and technology training.
Is it Legit?
The Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology’s Tulsa and Broomfield campuses hold accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Its Inglewood/Los Angeles, CA, and Inland Empire/Riverside, CA campuses are accredited by the Council of Occupational Education (COE).
Is It Worth It?
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology prides itself on its excellence in aviation education, with a storied history dating back to 1928. Its enduring commitment to training professionals for aviation and related industries is evident in its track record of success, having produced over 100,000 skilled technicians and pilots over the past 90+ years. With nationally accredited and FAA-approved programs, Spartan ensures that its students receive education of the highest caliber, backed by rigorous standards and industry recognition. What sets Spartan apart is its dedication to providing a supportive educational environment that fosters active participation in learning and offers career-oriented programs tailored to meet the demands of the aviation sector. Whether pursuing diploma or degree options, students benefit from personalized attention from qualified instructors, with tutoring available for academic and technical courses. Moreover, Spartan emphasizes hands-on training, allowing students to gain practical experience that is invaluable in their future careers. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those in need, making Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology a reputable choice and an accessible one for aspiring aviation professionals.
The Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology vs. Community College
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology offers a unique educational experience that surpasses what typical community colleges can provide, particularly in aviation. Spartan’s specialized programs, including aviation flight, aviation maintenance technology, aviation electronics technology, and quality control management, are designed to equip students with the precise skill sets demanded by the aviation industry. Unlike community colleges, Spartan’s programs are tailored to specific career paths within aviation, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with specialized knowledge and expertise.
Spartan College offers additional pathways, such as the pilot cadet and various technician pathways, providing students with a clear route to their desired careers. This focused approach sets Spartan apart from community colleges, which may need more specialization and industry expertise to prepare students adequately for aviation careers. Additionally, Spartan College provides robust support services to its students and graduates, including on-campus career placement and recruitment events and ongoing career services support. These resources are invaluable in helping students transition from education to employment seamlessly.
Acceptance Rate
The Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology’s cost per year varies depending on the program chosen, with total program costs ranging from $34,485 to $94,101 for certificate, associate’s, and bachelor’s degree programs. Before financial aid, annual costs typically fall between $31,367 to $34,485 annually.
To assist students with financing their education, Spartan offers federal aid options through loans and grants, making higher education more accessible to a broader range of students. Additionally, the college accepts external scholarships, easing eligible students’ financial burden. Moreover, Spartan provides programmatic scholarships such as the American Yankee Association private pilot scholarship and the Hal Botford Gift of Wings fund, demonstrating its commitment to supporting students in achieving their academic and career goals.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
Class Schedules
The Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology offers classes at standard daytime periods, with hybrid options available for select programs.
School Hours
The Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology is open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Friday. The campus is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Programs & Courses
Aviation
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Aviation
- HVAC
Campus Locations
Inglewood, CA 8911 Aviation Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301
Riverside, CA 4130 Mennes Ave., Riverside, CA 92509
Broomfield, CO 10851 West 120th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80021
Tulsa, OK (Main Campus) 8820 East Pine St., Tulsa, OK 74115
Tulsa, OK (Flight Campus, Richard L. Jones Airport) 123 Cessna Dr., Tulsa, OK 74132
Financial Aid Services
Staff members are ready to help people find a way to fund their schooling. Spartan College determines financial aid awards by need, availability, and academic record. Qualified candidates should complete the FAFSA to begin the process. Scholarships may be available, but eligibility varies by campus and area of study.
Student Services
There are many resources for enrollees, including housing and job postings. In Tulsa, Spartan College hosts a library of books and materials focused on aviation. Databases and other digital media are also accessible. The college store sells textbooks and equipment needed for training.
Veteran and Military Services
Most programs at Spartan College accept VA benefits. These could consist of the GI Bill, Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation, Dependent Educational Assistance, or several others. Vets do not have to pay application fees. The Director of Military Admissions can answer any enrollment questions for those in the armed forces.
Alumni Services
Graduates have access to a number of useful tools. As a lifetime benefit, counselors assist in career placement. Members of the Alumni Association can attend special lectures and receive important news updates. Spartan College grads are encouraged to share their work experiences.
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology – Inglewood Campus is a highly recommended institution for its knowledgeable and supportive instructors and its clear path to FAA certification (A&P license). However, it is significantly criticized for its very high cost, outdated lab equipment, and aggressive sales tactics.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality, Experienced Instructors: Instructors are consistently praised for being “very smart,” “extremely well seasoned,” and prior A&P mechanics who share real-world experiences. They are willing to “go out of their way to explain and clarify” and are deeply “concerned about making sure we have any and all the things we need to get to our goal.”
Clear Path to A&P Certification: Graduates widely credit the school with providing everything needed to qualify for the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification exam. The curriculum is focused on this goal, and many students report getting their certificate due to the staff’s help.
Supportive Staff and Administration: Staff and administrators are frequently called out for being “very helpful” and supportive, assisting students with everything from initial enrollment to job searching after graduation.
Excellent Testing Center: The on-campus testing center receives consistent, high praise for being “super clean, professional, and friendly,” with helpful proctors who ensure a smooth, lag-free experience.
Common Criticisms
High Tuition Cost and Value Perception: This is the most significant criticism. Students repeatedly mention the high tuition (“40k plus” or “ridiculous”) and express “buyer’s remorse.” Some graduates feel the education is “not even close to worth it” and that the cost is too high considering the resources provided.
Outdated Equipment and Facilities: Several students, particularly in the aircraft maintenance program, complain that the lab equipment is “outdated” and that all parts available for hands-on work are “old 1960 carburators, magnetos and” similar older technology, which clashes with the promised value.
Aggressive Sales/Recruiting Tactics: Prospective students report feeling “harassing phone calls” from the school, even from local area codes, after simply inquiring for information. This has led some to decide against enrolling.
Inconsistent Instructor Quality (Night Classes): While the overall teaching quality is high, one reviewer mentions that for night classes, there were “Only two teachers here at night that know what they are doing,” suggesting a quality difference between day and night shifts.
Rude Testing Center Staff (Historical): While recent reviews praise the proctors, older reviews mention one specific staff member at the testing center who was “so dry” and gave “attitude” to a student, causing friction.
Momentum
The positive momentum is sustained by strong praise for the staff and the testing center, suggesting the college is highly effective at its core mission of prepping students for certification. However, the consistent, long-standing complaints regarding the high tuition and the use of outdated lab equipment indicate systemic issues the college has not fully resolved. Graduates still achieve their A&P license, but they frequently do so feeling financially burdened and disappointed with the hands-on resources.